Sea World Helicopter crash: Where Gold Coasters can pay tribute to victims

An off-duty nurse who helplessly watched Monday’s fatal helicopter crash unfold from the Broadwater has laid the first floral tribute at the public memorial site. LATEST

AN off-duty nurse who helplessly watched Monday’s fatal helicopter crash unfold from the Broadwater has laid the first floral tribute at the public memorial site.

Anyone wishing to place floral tributes for the victims of the crash are being urged to do so at a special allocated area at the Broadwater Parklands, south of the Southport pier.

Gold Coast nurse Cecilia Marchisella was at the beach with her son when the helicopters came crashing down.

“It was all happening in front of us,” Ms Marchisella said.

“We arrived there just before it happened.

“Being a nurse, I felt if I could have got there, I could have helped in some way.

“I think that’s what hit me really hard.

“I feel like I just wanted to help, but I couldn’t”.

Nurse Cecilia Marchisella with her mother Sheila Marchisella and son Archie Maclot, 9 with floral tributes at the memorial area for the helicopter crash victims at Broadwater Parklands. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

The nurse said she felt “compelled” to pay tribute to the victims, placing sunflowers at the memorial site alongside her son and mother.

“I just really feel for those people and their families,” Ms Marchisella said.

“I think it affected me more than I thought it would.

“As soon as I saw that post this morning I wanted to bring some flowers down and pay tribute.”

Police are urging anyone with video footage or who witnessed yesterday’s helicopter tragedy on the Gold Coast to come forward.

Police Minister Mark Ryan, QFES Commissioner Greg Leach, Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll, Deputy Premier Steven Miles and Adam Stevenson from QFES stand behind floral tributes placed at the memorial area for the helicopter crash victims at the Broadwater Parklands. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles, Police Minister Mark Ryan and Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll visited the site of the public memorial on Tuesday to lay wreaths for the crash victims.

Ms Carroll said the investigation into what caused the tragedy was in its early stages and was unable to say whether the helicopter company involved could be liable to criminal charges.

“I ask that the public, if you have CCTV footage, if you’re witnesses, if you have any evidence that can assist with the inquiry, please come forward,” she said.

“My heart goes out to those people who came here to have a beautiful time on the Gold Coast and have tragically passed away.”

Deputy Mayor Donna Gates lays flowers at the memorial area for the helicopter crash victims at the Broadwater Parklands. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Mr Miles thanked first responders, members of the public and hospital staff treating the victims for their efforts.

“Queensland and Queenslanders are grieving through yet another tragedy,” he said

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives as well as those who are currently receiving treatment for their injuries.

“ Queensland has seen so much tragedy lately, there are people who have been directly impacted who are experiencing so much pain and members of the public who witnessed the incident yesterday will also be affected.

“It’s time for us to do what Queenslanders do best and that’s to support each other, to help each other.

“Usually at this time of year it’s through natural disasters, floods, cyclones, storms and bushfires. But we will recover from this tragedy too.”

Mr Miles said Queensland Police would continue to investigate the cause of the crash and provide a report to the coroner.

Queensland authorities will continue to assist federal aviation authorities in any way they possibly can, he said.

EARLIER: How to pay tribute to helicopter crash victims

Police and heavy tow contractors are working to remove the second fallen helicopter involved in Monday’s horror mid-air collision at Main Beach.

One helicopter was removed at about 7amon an outgoing tide as the second remained partially submerged in the water off Sea World.

Australian Transport and Safety Bureau (ATSB) Commander Angus Mitchell said a “painstaking” investigation had begun to determine how the tragedy occurred.

“Exactly why this occurred, what the range of visibility was for the pilots, that’s what we are piecing together and potentially what was a contributing factor,” he said.

“What were the processes and procedures in place operating out of Sea World.

“Once we have all that we will have a better idea of what this means.”

Police and ATSB Officers recover the wreckage after four people were killed in the helicopter crash near Sea World. Picture: Scott Powick.

He said officers had already removed electronics from the wreckage of the two destroyed helicopters as part of the investigation.

The helicopter tragedy near the Gold Coast’s oldest theme park has not deterred tourists.

Holidaymakers have been lining up at the Sea World theme park operated by Village Roadshow at Main Beach before the gates were opened at 9am.

Cars packed with visitors were steadily streaming in, with the car park already half full at 9am.

The joyride chopper flights are operated by a separate entity known as Sea World Helicopters, independently of Village Roadshow.

January 3: Police and heavy tow contractors are working to remove the second fallen helicopter involved in Monday’s horror mid-air collision at Main Beach. Picture: Sam Stolz

A number of staff members from Sea World Helicopters arrived – with some carrying flowers.

A family on holiday from Sydney visiting Sea World told the Bulletin they had heard about Monday’s crash which left four dead and three rushed to hospital with life threatening injuries.

“It’s just horrific, a terrible tragedy,” a man said.

Those wishing to place floral tributes for the victims of the Sea World helicopter crash are being urged to do so at a special allocated area.

The wreckage being removed from the sandbar. Picture: Sam Stolz

This is at the Broadwater Parklands, south of the Southport pier, near the great lawn.

A Gold Coast City Council spokeswoman said yesterday’s tragedy had sparked an “outpouring of grief across our community”.

Anyone wishing to place flowers directly into the Broadwater is asked to remove all packaging.

Wreckage is removed from the site. Picture: Scott Powick.

The Department of Communities and Red Cross will be on site throughout the day to provide support.

The Community Recovery Hotline has also been activated on 1800 173 349.